Family Centers 3rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge

Swimmers were "freezing for a reason" at Family Centers' 3rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge Sunday morning.

Austin Stack, Chairman of Family Centers' Associate Board said, "It brings people out in the community. It makes everyone aware of what Family Centers is doing and in particular, this year we're supporting the Families in Crisis Center of Excellence."

Plungers from across Fairfield County made a splash, all while raising awareness and funds for Family Centers' programs.

Tom Meely, who participated in the plunge last year said, "I got involved with Family Centers about a year and a half ago and I plunged last year. It's just a great thing for raising awareness for all the things we do at Family Centers and getting young people in the community aware of what we are doing"

"We really hope to bring more friends into our circle who understand the serious nature of the work we do and hopefully you can have a little fun along the way while raising some dollars for important programs," said Bob Arnold, President/CEO of Family Center.

Participants say Family Centers truly looks out for the community.

Marcia Sterling of Stamford was overcome with emotion after participating in her first Polar Bear Plunge. "They helped with counseling. They have helped me with a lot of things and I'm truly grateful. I would have done this over and over, because they have changed my life and I think that these people are the one who made me to be alive today."